8/30/2014 - 790 Fire Update

Fire Information: (206) 947-9729

Location-The 790 Fire is located 10 miles southeast of Prospect, Oregon and is burning in the Sky Lakes Wilderness.

Yesterday’s Operations - Crews continued to hold the northeast and southeast flanks of the fire. Helicopters supported firefighters in the wilderness by dropping water on hotspots and supporting supply distribution to spike camps. Small fixed wing aircraft (scoopers) supported firefighters by dropping water on the fire. Water was scooped out of Lost Creek Lake nearby. Pack strings of mules are also used to deliver supplies to firefighters in the wilderness area.

Weather and Fire Behavior - A dry cold front will bring northwest winds, cooler temperatures and higher relative humidity today. Clouds are expected to increase along and west of the Cascade crest. An inversion is likely to bring very dry air to the fire area. Fire behavior includes pockets of surface fire spread developing and isolated torching in the sub-alpine areas. Short range spotting, especially on the steeper slopes could occur with higher winds.

Today’s Operations - Multiple strategies will be used including direct suppression in the wilderness using natural fuel breaks such as rock outcrops. Indirect tactics will be used outside of the wilderness including clearing and prepping existing roads to potentially be used as containment lines, should they be needed.

The eastern perimeter of the fire will continue to be mopped up (extinguishing burning material well into the fire line). On the north and south flanks of the fire, crews are laying hose in support of direct fire suppression efforts.

Oregon Interagency Incident Management Team 2 assumed command of the fire today. A new base of operations (Incident Command Post) has been established at Buck Mountain Ranch located just east of Prospect.

 
Closures - The Pacific Crest Trail remains closed from the south boundary of Crater Lake National Park south to Highway 140. In addition, other trails near the fire area are closed within the Sky Lakes Wilderness. An area closure remains in effect around the fire. These closures are for both firefighter and public safety. Hunters and recreationalists need to be aware of the very dry conditions and take precautions on this busy Labor Day weekend. Current restrictions and closure information is located at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/rogue-siskiyou/notices/?cid=STELPRD3814604

For additional Information: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4095